Lignin-graft-Polyoxazoline Conjugated Triazole a Novel Anti-Infective Ointment to Control Persistent Inflammation

Abstract

Lignin, one of the most abundant renewable feedstock, is used to develop a biocompatible hydrogel as anti-infective ointment. A hydrophilic polyoxazoline chain is grafted through ring opening polymerization, possess homogeneous spherical nanoparticles of 10–15 nm. The copolymer was covalently modified with triazole moiety to fortify the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. The hydrogel was capable of down regulating the expression level of IL-1β in LPS induced macrophage cells, and to cause significant reduction of iNOS production. It supported cellular anti-inflammatory activity which was confirmed with luciferase assay, western blot, and NF-κB analysis. This novel lignin-based hydrogel tested in-vivo has shown the abilities to prevent infection of burn wound, aid healing, and an anti-inflammatory dressing material. The hydrogel reported here provides a new material platform to introduce a cost-effective and efficient ointment option after undertaking further work to look at its use in the area of clinical practice.

Production of lignin based insoluble polymers (anionic hydrogels) by C. versicolor

“…Given the previously reported antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of lignin 33 , the application of a lignin-based hydrogel can improve the healing of those wounds. This novel lignin based polymer has potential to replace/compete with lignin previously considered for various applications, such as ointment applications 34 , protein immobilization and potentially encapsulation 31 , imunosensing 35 , or as a functional/radiation protective coating 36 .…”

New Developments in Medical Applications of Hybrid Hydrogels Containing Natural Polymers

“…Modification of the lignin with triazole moiety enhances the antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities. A new hydrogel was prepared as an ointment for anti-infection, which had abilities to prevent infection of burn wound and could be used as an anti-inflammatory dressing and aid-healing material [453]. Lignin/CS hydrogels show a good potential applicability in wound healing, since these hydrogels present a good cell attachment and proliferation of NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast [454].…”

Lignin‐Based Micro‐ and Nanomaterials and their Composites in Biomedical Applications

“…Moreover, the hydrogel showed free‐radical scavenging activity, which afforded benefits to infected tissue in the healing process because reactive oxygen species are also a block in recovery. Therefore, the multifunctional benefits of this lignin‐based hydrogel may be used in future generation ointment formulation in successful and efficient wound therapies . Lu et al.…”